Multiple Schemes for Mobile Payment Authentication Using QR Code and Visual Cryptography

Abstract

QR code (quick response code) is used due to its beneficial properties, especially in the mobile payment field. However, there exists an inevitable risk in the transaction process. It is not easily perceived that the attacker tampers with or replaces the QR code that contains merchant’s beneficiary account. Thus, it is of great urgency to conduct authentication of QR code. In this study, we propose a novel mechanism based on visual cryptography scheme (VCS) and aesthetic QR code, which contains three primary schemes for different concealment levels. The main steps of these schemes are as follows. Firstly, one original QR code is split into two shadows using VC multiple rules; secondly, the two shadows are embedded into the same background image, respectively, and the embedded results are fused with the same carrier QR code, respectively, using XOR mechanism of RS and QR code error correction mechanism. Finally, the two aesthetic QR codes can be stacked precisely and the original QR code is restored according to the defined VCS. Experiments corresponding to three proposed schemes are conducted and demonstrate the feasibility and security of the mobile payment authentication, the significant improvement of the concealment for the shadows in QR code, and the diversity of mobile payment authentication.

Utilization of QR Code for Tracking Digital Expenses

“…Another method that is stated by (Lu, et al 2017) is by stacking the original QR Code with random shadow patterns or certain images which will then generate a new QR Code that has been encrypted. According to (Lu, et al 2017), this method itself has 3 stages in producing encrypted QR Code, which is to produce the first shadow, then continue to produce the second shadow, and the last is to combine the original QR Code with 2 shadows that have been previously generated. In producing both shadows, the author uses a secret pixel which is the breakdown of a pixel into 2 parts, namely black and white blocks.…”

Efficient QR Code Secret Embedding Mechanism Based on Hamming Code

“…The minimum distance of a Hamming code is 3, it implies that Hamming code can detect and correct single-bit error or detect double-bits errors. Take the most basic Hamming code (7,4)…”

“…This way, the minimum hamming distance of the Hamming code is increased form 3, in (7,4) Hamming code, to 4 in (8, 4) Hamming code. Therefore, the (8, 4) Hamming code has the ability to detect up to 3 errors.…”

“…Compared with one-dimensional barcode, Quick Response (QR) code has the advantages of large information capacity, high decoding reliability, strong error correction ability, wide range of storage information, high density, high information transmission efficiency, etc. It has been widely used in many fields, such as ID identification [1], advertising [2], warehousing and logistics [3], product traceability [4], e-commerce [5], mobile payment [6], [7], etc. As the core perception technology of Internet of things and the important information entrance of the Internet, QR code has gradually penetrated into various fields of national economy and social life.…”

Face Recognition for Payment and Information Sharing

“…Agostinho Marques Ximenes et al [5] tell about the implementation of QR code-based payment low-cost infrastructure in Indonesia with an added layer of Biometric security of transaction information. Jianfeng Lu et al [6] highlight one more risk in QR based payment. The attacker can tamper with or replace QR code which contains the merchant's bank account.…”